40 Days for Life launches record-shattering campaign. March 9 to April 17

40 Days for Life launches record-shattering campaign March 9

The largest ever 40 Days for Life international campaign is on the way! The campaign will run from March 9 to April 17 in 247 cites -- locations from coast to coast in the United States as well as sites in Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Georgia, Armenia and Belize.

Momentum is building - and it's on the pro-life side! Click on the map above to see the full list of cities. Then click on the one nearest you to find local information about that campaign -- and sign up on that page for important updates about 40 Days for Life -- both internationally and in your home town.

40 Days for Life reaches out at West Coast Walk for Life

40 Days for Life national director David Bereit, along with former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson, spoke at the West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco. The West Coast Walk for Life is a rapidly growing event that attracted a record crowd this year.

Check out this amazing video of David and Abby firing up the audience of 50,000 people.

Video at site: http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm?selected=welcome

What 40 Days for Life has witnessed (so far!)


	There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007. These efforts have mobilized people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus six Canadian provinces, three Australian states, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark.

During these unified efforts, participants witnessed countless blessings from God:

1,085 individual campaigns have taken place in 337 cities
More than 400,000 have joined together in an historic display of unity to pray and fast for an end to abortion
More than 13,000 church congregations have participated in the 40 Days for Life campaigns
Reports document 3,599 lives that have been spared from abortion — and those are just the ones we know about
43 abortion workers have quit their jobs and walked away from the abortion industry
Nine abortion facilities completely shut down following local 40 Days for Life campaigns
Hundreds of women and men have been spared from the tragic effects of abortion, including a lifetime of regrets
More than 1,200 news stories have been featured in newspapers, magazines, radio shows and TV programs from coast to coast ... and overseas
Many people with past abortion experiences have stepped forward to begin post-abortion healing and recovery

After so many years of legalized abortion, many people of faith are experiencing a renewed sense of HOPE!

Former Planned Parenthood manager tells all in new book

Abby Johnson and Shawn Carney at Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas

During the 40 Days for Life campaign in the fall of 2009, the director of the Planned Parenthood abortion center in Bryan/College Station, Texas watched an ultrasound abortion. She was stunned. Within a matter of days, Abby Johnson quit her job and went to the local organization that sponsored 40 Days for Life, seeking help.

Abby Johnson now works to end abortion. As part of her effort, she's written a book called Unplanned that unveils the truth about the inner workings of Planned Parenthood.

Abby, along with 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney, appeared on the Focus on the Family radio program to tell her story. You can listen to this two-part interview online:

Focus on the Family interview Part 1
Focus on the Family interview Part 2

Take the leap of faith and get involved with 40 Days for Life

Have you been to pray at a 40 Days for Life vigil yet? You may ask, “What do I do?” or “What sign should I bring?” The answer is simple; the only sign you really need to bring is yourself, for you represent God’s love.

Concern about going to pray at the abortion facility is common — and normal. 40 Days for Life campaign director Shawn Carney shared some thoughts at the national Students for Life conference.

See video at http://40daysforlife.com/about.cfm?selected=welcome

Day 6 - March 14

Intention:

That those tempted to abort may understand that their child is already present, and already a real person.

Scripture:

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.

-- Luke 1:41-44

Reflection:

Jesus not only loves unborn children -- He was one himself!

Think about this for a moment.

We often hear people speak of a pregnant mother by saying, "She's expecting a child." Now if one is expecting a package, the package is not yet there. As reflected in our verse for today, however, this is not the case with the mother. Her gift is already there. The pregnant woman, a mother already, does not have a child "on the way," but has a child, already present and in full possession of his or her human rights, starting with the right to life.

Prayer:

Jesus, open my eyes to your presence in the life of every child. Open my heart to joy in the birth of every child, a birth that reflects the joy of your own birth in Bethlehem. As you shared life in the womb of Mary, so now send your protection upon every child still in the womb, and grant to their mothers the strength and joy that comes from welcoming the gift of life. We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

40 Days for Life is a call to sacrifice.

During these 40 days, many of you sacrifice food, time,
sleep, television and other comforts. This of course
sounds good but can be VERY hard (especially when
you’re tired, hungry — and college basketball is on!).

But these detachments help us to reflect on what is
eternal and everlasting — God’s love!

And it’s most gratifying to know that people just like
you are going out of their way to pray, fast — and
sacrifice — on behalf of God’s innocent children.

KITCHENER, ONTARIO

You may be familiar with 2 Chronicles 7:14, the
scripture verse in which God tells us, “humble
yourselves and pray.” It’s central to the 40 Days
for Life message. A 40 Days for Life volunteer in
this Canadian city learned that it was possible to
both show humility — and to be a sign to others.

The volunteer arrived at the vigil site to stand and
pray. Passersby barely seemed to notice. But “after
a while, I felt convicted to kneel in prayer.”

At first, there was fear of looking stupid, small and
weak. But the fear soon melted. A short time later,
this vigil participant looked up and began to notice
the reactions of people driving by.

“It was very different now. I can best describe their
facial expressions as stunned, surprised and intensely
watching — sincerely amazed at what they were seeing.
I realized it was jarring for them to see someone
worshiping and appealing to God in such a public,
humbling manner.”

The world views humbling oneself as a position of
weakness. “Yet, by placing myself in a position of
weakness, it became a position of strength: strength
to witness; strength to pray more fervently; strength
to stir the human heart.”

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

The call to humble prayer is also being heard in
Orlando, where the 40 Days for Life vigil is taking
place outside a facility where late-term abortions
are performed.

On a recent day, it is estimated that more than 30
abortions took place — well into the evening. Vigil
participants say the atmosphere at this place is
most disturbing.

“A peaceful prayer presence is so very needed,” said one
40 Days for Life participant. “Silent peaceful prayer
is so necessary at the unhappiest place on earth.”

For a photo of 40 Days for Life vigil participants
kneeling in prayer in Orlando please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1633

CANTON, OHIO

David Bereit, the national director of 40 Days for Life,
often asks people to consider this: “Many of us have
worked jobs where we’ve put in 40 hours a week; why not
try to put in 40 hours at the vigil over the course of
40 Days for Life?”

Daphne in Canton has responded to that call to sacrifice.
“I am challenging you to something that I have challenged
myself to during the 40 Days for Life campaign — to pray
for 40 hours. I am calling it the 40 Hour Challenge,” she
said. “I am inviting all of you to embrace the Cross and
take up the 40 Hour Challenge.”

What to pray for? Daphne suggests praying for 40 Days for
Life, for the campaign’s local and national leaders, for
everyone making the sacrifice to pray at the abortion
centers, for all those pondering abortion and all those
affected by abortion. “The list goes on and on,” she said.

Just in case you haven’t checked the list of 247 locations
where 40 Days for Life vigils are going on TODAY, please
go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/location.cfm

Day 7 - March 15

Intention:

Pray that the abortionists and all workers in abortion facilities would be troubled in their souls regarding their work and would seek truth.

Scripture:

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

-- Ephesians 4:31-32

Reflection:

We see the evil and oppression in the world, the arrogance of those who mock God, the millions of innocent lives destroyed because of the greed of a few. Our flesh tells us that we should take justice in our own hands, but instead of vengeance, the Lord calls us to love our enemy, to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

God loves the abortionist and the Planned Parenthood advocate just as much as He loves you. It breaks His heart to see them in bondage to sin and He is giving you this opportunity to introduce them to the Savior who sets the captive free.

Though you may not experience direct interaction with these souls, your presence will not go unnoticed. Your non-verbal communications speak volumes about the God you serve.

Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is not condoning or overlooking the wrong behavior of others, but rather it is freeing ourselves so that God can work mightily through us to touch their hearts for Him. Let's join our hearts with His in recognizing that those in the abortion industry are not the enemy, but rather they are blinded by the enemy. God desires that we bring them the message of truth and hope found in Christ, but the messengers He will use are those willing to forgive.

Prayer:

Dearest God, You tell us in Proverbs that the foolish and the wicked lack wisdom and understanding. I pray you will trouble the souls of those in the abortion industry so that they hunger for truth and cry out for freedom. I pray that my life would reflect my redemption so others may see it and trust in You. In obedience to You, and by your grace, I choose to forgive others as you have forgiven me. In the name of Christ my Redeemer I pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

And here is the email from Shawn Carney about positive coverage in the media!

Local media outlets have been all over 40 Days for Life
campaigns since we kicked off in 247 cities just last
Wednesday ...

... and we’ve seen great — and positive — coverage of
YOUR campaigns!

Here are just a few examples:

LANSING, MICHIGAN

Chris Veneklase of the 40 Days for Life team in Lansing
had an opportunity to talk about the campaign on Tony
Conley’s morning program on WILS-AM. It’s a secular
station that also features nationally syndicated hosts
such as Laura Ingraham.

Things got very personal — and quite moving — when
it came to a discussion of the overwhelming number of
abortions that are recommended when doctors discover
that a child in the womb has Down syndrome.

Tony Conley said he tried to get a representative of
Planned Parenthood to come on the program. But no one
was interested.

To hear a short clip from the interview (it’s
powerful!), please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1645

MODESTO, CALIFORNIA

This marks the first 40 Days for Life campaign in
Modesto, and the local team was featured in a story
in the local newspaper, the Modesto Bee.

It’s not a political or noisy protest, said local
coordinator Mark Jeffords. “It’s a Christian prayer
vigil, definitely not a protest,” he said. “We’re
trying to raise public awareness. There won’t be
any shouting.”

Mark emphasized that the campaign is “also are trying
to reach out to the women. We want to tell them about
the Modesto Pregnancy Center. They also have services
for women. I hope the women realize there’s a person
in their bodies who is coming into the world and also
understand that they’re not alone.”

For a link to the full story in the Modesto Bee,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1645

LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

The first-time 40 Days for Life campaign in Lafayette
got the attention of the Journal and Courier locally.

In this case, a Planned Parenthood representative DID
speak to the reporter, rattling off the standard line
about vigil participants “harassing patients.”

The newspaper also included a picture, which proved to
be worth more than a thousand Planned Parenthood talking
points. The picture shows two women quietly praying on
the sidewalk — no “harassment” whatsoever!

“We’re simply there praying,” said Lafayette campaign
coordinator Judy Watson. “How could anybody not want that?”

For a link to the Lafayette Journal and Courier story —
and the picture — please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1645

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

As part of their community outreach, the 40 Days for
Life team in Tallahassee participated in a memorial
service for aborted babies at a local cemetery — and
WCTV, the local CBS affiliate, reported on the event.

The station interviewed local coordinator Chris Moleski
for the report. She said that 40 Days for Life “is a
campaign that has been developed to give people an
opportunity to bring about an end to abortion through
prayer, fasting and community outreach.”

For a link to the WCTV story — including the video of
the news report — please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1645

Day 8 - March 16

Intention:

We pray for a renewal of our zeal to offer generous help to the unborn and their families.

Scripture:

If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant When they complained against me, What then shall I do when God rises up? When He punishes, how shall I answer Him? Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?

-- Job 31:13-15

Reflection:

The ground is level as we stand before God.

Job lived with an awe provoking sense of God's expectation of him, particularly regarding his obligation to care for the weak and needy. He knew that in God's economy everyone stands on level ground when it comes to our status as God's creatures. Because of that central truth, we must take care of each other.

Job also knew that he didn't deserve any of the good things God gave to him. Instead, those blessings came to Job from God's benevolent heart. As an extension of that knowledge, Job instinctively linked his obligation to be generous to others to God's kindness toward him.

As in Jesus' parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:23-35), Job knew that it is an egregious sin to deny to others what we enjoy ourselves. He actually calls down on his own head severe condemnation and even punishment should he fail to share with others out of his own abundance (see verses 16-23).

Proverbs 3:27 reads, "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." Some things are so obvious that we don't even need to pray except to ask of God forgiveness and the power to do what so obviously needs doing.

Prayer:

God, forgive us when we try to explain away the obligation we have to help others who need help. Enable us to not devalue them because they are in the circumstance that they are in, but to see them for what they are, those, who like us, were formed by your hand in their mother's womb. Amen.

Rev. Rob Schenck
President, Faith and Action, and National Clergy Council

Today’s email:

Let’s not kid ourselves. Women are the heart and soul
of the pro-life movement.

My wife got me involved by taking me out to pray at
Planned Parenthood way back when we were dating. David
Bereit, our national director, also got involved in
pro-life work through the example of his wife.

This week, the call for more men to stand and pray came
from one of the local 40 Days for Life coordinators
after a bully got vocal with a woman who was praying at
the vigil.

This is just one example of how important it is for men
to get more involved in the campaign — and what a
difference it can make when men decide to man-up and
take Christ to the front lines of our culture war.

So thanks to all the men who are taking part in 40 Days
for Life! (And the women too, of course!!!)

Oh, by the way — today is the day everyone gets to be
Irish. Congratulations!

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS

One volunteer in Worcester got involved in 40 Days for
Life after his wife asked him to pray.

He’d always been pro-life, he said, but “I have always
kept my mouth shut.” After all, he’s a guy, and we’re
always told that abortion is a “women’s issue.”

Then he visited the 40 Days for Life web site and did
a lot of reading. “I cried more than once,” he said,
“for the unborn, for their moms and for my inactivity
in the past. I asked God to forgive me for being silent
these last 40 years. I was wrong to keep quiet. I will
not be quiet any longer.”

This volunteer now has a plan. “I am going to fast as
often as I physically can,” he said. “I will pray every
day. I will ask others to pray.”

Thanks, he said, “to you all for standing up, speaking
up and doing something positive for the little ones.”

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

This is the first 40 Days for Life campaign in Fort
Collins, and new volunteers are excited to have the
opportunity to pray for an end to abortion.

“No matter how many rude gestures and remarks we got,
we also received waves of support, honks of approval,
even a friendly hello from a mom who slowed down enough
for her two toddlers to see us,” said Maria, one of the
vigil participants.

“It was truly a rewarding evening, knowing we have made
an impact.”

Speaking of men joining the campaign, a local Knights
of Columbus council prayed together at the Fort Collins
vigil. I can’t say enough about the Knights and the
strong, faithful support they continue to show for
40 Days for Life!

To see a photo of the Knights of Columbus in Fort
Collins, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1659

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Haylee, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Anchorage,
says she has a couple of items guaranteed to motivate
you even further.

One young man stood and prayed at the vigil for seven
hours. “And some of that time he was all alone,” she
said. “That shows determination and commitment!”

Then there was a team of men who covered midnight to
7 a.m. “The temperature fell to -4 and yet they stayed
out there praying to God and putting action to their
beliefs,” Haylee said. “Praise the Lord!”

To see a photo of another group of 40 Days for Life
volunteers praying in the cold, in the snow, in the
dark, in Anchorage, Alaska, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1659

Day 9 - March 17

Intention:

Pray that the post-abortive woman would be repentant, accept forgiveness, be healed and restored, and bring glory to God with her new life.

Scripture:

I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

-- Psalm 32:5

Reflection:

Because abortion is legal in America, many have justified their choice. "If it's legal, it can't be wrong, right?" We now have an entire generation of men and women who have never known abortion to be illegal; a generation of people who have never been broken over their sin of abortion.

As a result, the consequences of unconfessed sin weigh on their souls, yet they have never connected the dots as to why their hearts are heavy. No wonder we have millions of women who are struggling with depression, addictions, eating disorders and more.

Post abortion syndrome is very real but recovery begins when the individual agrees with God as David confessed in Psalm 51:3-4, 14, "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight - that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when you Judge. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation."

Brokenness is the key to accessing God's glorious mercy and healing. Christ came to heal the broken hearted and He is waiting with open arms to take the post-abortive woman on a glorious journey of healing and restoration if she will only run to Him.

God will not waste any sin we lay at His feet. Imagine millions of healed and restored post-abortive women like myself singing aloud of His righteousness and giving testimony of His love and forgiveness. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you are our Healer. You have forgiven all my iniquities and removed my transgressions from me as far as the east is from the west. Guilt no longer has dominion in my life. Lord, we pray that post-abortive women across this nation will run to You to receive the gift of redemption and healing that comes from You only. In the name of our Savior we pray, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

Abortion thrives on despair.

The despair of women often leads them to believe that
abortion is their only solution. The despair of clinic
workers helps convince them they are doing a good thing
and trying to help women. Even the despair of the
Christian may lead to the hopelessness of believing
that abortion will never end.

Well, in 247 cities right now, your prayer presence
is crushing despair and bringing hope!

The constant theme of all the stories that I hear from
local 40 Days for Life teams is that we should never,
never, NEVER give up!

Even if the situation appears hopeless, God is always
listening.

GRANITE CITY, ILLINOIS

A young woman got out of a car that had a Christian
fish pin on it ... determined to keep her abortion
appointment at the facility where the 40 Days for Life
vigil is taking place.

A counselor tried to talk to her, but she just offered
a crude gesture, hissed at the prayer volunteers and
walked in.

“We didn’t give up,” said Angela, the local 40 Days
for life coordinator. “We kept praying.”

An hour later, she came out to smoke a cigarette and
saw members of a Bound 4 Life youth group who were
praying at the vigil.

“What are they doing?” the young woman asked.

Angela answered, “They are praying for your baby.”
The young woman flipped her cigarette towards Angela
and went back inside.

Another hour passed — another hour of constant prayer,
particularly for this young women.

She then came out again and literally ran — weeping —
into the arms of the youth group members.

“Thank you for being here!” she cried.

“I didn’t do it!”

Then the full story came out. Her father was pressuring
her to abort — even though, she said, he claimed to be
a Christian. Her mother said she would not help raise
another baby as she already had a 3-year-old at home.

The young woman feared her father would put her and her
child out on the streets for not going through with the
abortion.

“We told her of our resources and how we could help her
to find shelter and get back on her feet,” Angela said.
“She hugged us again and thanked the group for being
there.”

To see a photo of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Granite
City, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1678

HELENA, MONTANA

One of the Helena 40 Days for Life volunteers tells of
a young woman considering abortion. Fortunately, this
young woman’s co-worker realized there was an
opportunity to minister to her.

The co-worker invited her to the 40 Days for Life
kickoff — which she attended. At the kick-off event,
she picked up a card for a local clinic pregnancy
resource center and gave the people there a call.

“We’re told that she received an ultrasound and made
the decision to keep the baby,” said Ben in Helena.
“We will continue to check in on her and provide
assistance as needed.”

NORTH SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Two people were praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil
when they were politely interrupted by a woman who
wanted to give them cookies — cookies that her daughter
was selling for her scout group.

“I know you probably think you can’t make a difference,
just standing on a street corner praying about abortion,”
she said, “but I’m here to tell you, you can!”

Ten years ago, the woman had an abortion scheduled.
But when she arrived, “two people just like you were
praying quietly on the street corner outside. Because
of them, I didn’t go through with it. Today I have a
beautiful daughter who’s alive because of those people
who chose to pray.”

What more can I say? Please keep praying!

Day 10 - March 18

Intention:

May those who hold life as trivial realize that we live because God wills it so.

Scripture:

Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this, in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

-- Job 12:9-10

Reflection:

Job was a man acquainted with grief, trials and tribulation. He had everything taken from him, including his family. He endured sickness, ridicule and judgment from his friends. Everyone gave him advice about his situation, questioning his spirituality and his God. Job's circumstances were bad but he never loses faith. Why? Because "the hand of the Lord has made all life." Created by God, he knows his life has meaning and purpose, regardless of the circumstances.

In our present culture, we've lost that basic truth; every life is made and allowed to live by God's sovereign authority. As people who pride ourselves on our independence, we have a hard time acknowledging our dependence on God. From our creation, when we were knit together in our mother's womb to our last breath, God's word is clear that "in His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind."

It's time for us as individuals, and as a society, to recognize that we exist by God's grace and turn back to Him, honoring His word and His teachings. Why? Because our world is full of Jobs, people who are dealing with trials and tribulations and hurting desperately. Job's response should be ours as well. Regardless of what we face (even an unplanned pregnancy) God in His wisdom and mercy will redeem it. How do I know? Job's friends who doubted God's sovereignty cry out to God asking for help, God instructs Job to pray for his friends and after he does, God restores all that Job had lost. In other words, because Job never lost faith and knew and trusted His Creator, the Lord blessed Job.

Prayer:

Thank you Father God for being the Creator of my life and every life. Please give me, and the society in which I live, an appreciation for your gift of life. Please help us set aside our pride and acknowledge that we need you. Show me how I can honor you today in response to all the blessings you bestow so freely. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Georgette Forney
President, Anglicans for Life

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

It is about that time of the campaign ... the time
when the abortion facility workers are starting to
get a little agitated at — well — YOUR prayers.

It usually happens about 10 days into a 40 Days for
Life campaign.

I know it may be surprising, but not everyone likes
having a prayer vigil outside of their workplace.
That’s okay, because we’ve seen the power of those
prayers convert the hearts of many, at one time or
another, frustrated abortion center workers.

Here are a few examples of clinic worker agitation...

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

The abortion center in Rockford that is the site of
the 40 Days for Life vigil is a notorious location well
known in pro-life circles for its extreme attitude —
and vulgar signs posted in the windows.

Pro-lifers operate a mobile pregnancy care center near
the Rockford vigil site — and the abortion facility’s
staff and their friends are most assuredly not happy.

According to one 40 Days for Life volunteer, the
abortion center staff “did all they could to stop
mothers from using the mobile ultrasound ... even
blocking access to the door to the motorhome by
placing a sign from a local pawn shop in front of it
so it could only open a few inches.

“Because of the power of prayer and the witness of
Christians, they failed.”

The local team made a short video showing the mobile
ultrasound van — and a small group praying on the
other side of the street outside the abortion center.

To see the video, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1683

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

Business is most assuredly off at Planned Parenthood
in Virginia Beach.

“Tuesday is a regularly scheduled abortion day at
Planned Parenthood,” said Marcia, the local 40 Days
for Life coordinator in Virginia Beach. “Normally,
they do 10-15 abortions on Tuesday mornings. This
Tuesday, that number was down to seven.”

“I was at Planned Parenthood by myself from 5 to 6,”
added Charlie in Virginia Beach.

“About 5:45 a young couple stopped as they were
driving out from the parking lot, rolled down the
window, and told me that they had decided to keep
their baby,” he said. “I congratulated them, and
told them about Life Ministries.”

“That’s a major praise!” said Marcia.

NAPLES, FLORIDA

It looks like the staff is getting nervous at Planned
Parenthood in Naples, where faithful volunteers are
praying outside during 40 Days for Life prayer vigils.

One of the area’s TV stations received a complaint that
the people on the sidewalk were “harassing” Planned
Parenthood’s clients. So they sent out a news crew.

The reporter interviewed the woman who said she was
harassed.

The reporter also talked to a couple of 40 Days for
Life vigil participants, who were flabbergasted at
the idea that peacefully praying on the sidewalk could
ever be viewed as harassment.

I was in Naples just a few weeks ago and met these
sweet women — and that’s exactly what you’ll see in
the video.

The volunteers did a GREAT job of presenting the truth!

For a link to a report — and the video — from
WINK-TV, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1683

The words of Jesus come to mind. “Blessed are you when
they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind
of evil against you (falsely) because of me. Rejoice
and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven”
(Matthew 5:11-12).

Keep praying!

Day 11 - March 19

Intention:

Pray that people of faith will have their strength renewed even in the face of the violence of abortion.

Scripture:

The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent. They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait in silence for the saving help of the Lord.

--Lamentations 3:22-26

Reflection:

The Book of Lamentations, a short book of only five chapters, contains some of the most poignant expressions of human grief. These verses are used in many Churches on Good Friday, since they can be seen to express a prophecy of the suffering of the Lord and the lamentation of his followers on that dark day.

But in the midst of his grief, Jeremiah writes the verses quoted above. "The favors of the Lord are not exhausted." It is a call to hope that no matter how much violence there is, life will prevail in the end.

Why does he say, however, that God's mercies are renewed each morning?

Because early in the morning, on the first day of the week, the women came to the tomb -- and they found that the events of that morning changed everything.

Christ's victory over death came in the morning, and therefore each day we can renew our confidence that life has the final victory.

Prayer:

Lord, look kindly on your people who weep and mourn amidst the vast devastation that abortion has brought upon our land. We cannot even count the children killed, and the mothers and fathers wounded.

We cannot measure the devastation and corruption abortion has brought upon the very fabric of our society. But we declare today that your favors have not been exhausted, your mercies have not been spent. They are renewed each morning.

Give us new strength today in the resurrection of Christ your Son, that we may bear effective witness to the victory of life! In His name we pray, amen.

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life and President, National Pro-life Religious Council

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

Happy Sunday!

I really enjoy seeing pictures from 40 Days for Life
locations — and I thought you might enjoy seeing
them, too.

So here’s a bit of information and pictures from just
a few of the cities participating in the current
40 Days for Life campaign that have sent us photos.

See for yourself what’s going at each community!

GREENLAND, NEW HAMPSHIRE

It’s cold in New Hampshire. “As you can see, the ground
is still snow covered,” said Jackie, the local 40 Days
for Life coordinator. “The temperature was hovering
around freezing, but there was lots of enthusiasm from
these dedicated individuals.”

To see a picture of prayer volunteers — and snow —
in Greenland, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1708

LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA

There are encouraging stories coming from Lawrenceville.

A woman walked from the Planned Parenthood parking lot
to ask a volunteers, “Do you really offer free help?”

It turned out that she was there with her daughter who
was seeking an abortion.

After talking with the volunteer for a few minutes
about fetal development and post-abortion syndrome —
and where to go for free help — the woman asked for
information to take inside the abortion center for her
daughter to look at.

That’s all we know at this point. So please keep this
family in your prayers, that this young woman will
choose life for her unborn child!

To see the pictures from the 40 Days for Life vigil
in Lawrenceville, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1708

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

The 40 Days for Life volunteers in Old Town Chicago
sent some pictures of late night/early morning vigil
participants, some of whom were “treated” to a cold
rain during their prayer times outside a Planned
Parenthood center on North LaSalle Boulevard.

To see the photos from Old Town Chicago, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1708

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

The 40 Days for Life prayer vigil in Milwaukee had a
bit of a different look recently — balloons! Yellow
balloons with the word “life” printed on them.

Dan, the local coordinator in Milwaukee, said the idea
came from a YouTube video, where a pro-life youth group
showed up at a “pro-choice” rally with similar balloons.
Needless to say, the abortion advocates were rather
surprised.

To see pictures of the yellow balloons in Milwaukee,
please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1708

MANASSAS, VIRGINIA

The abortion center in Manassas is tucked into a small
office park — but that office park’s entrance is on
one of the city’s main roads. LOTS of people drive by
all day long, so LOTS of people in Manassas now know
about 40 Days for Life!

To see some pictures of 40 Days for Life participants
in Manassas, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1708

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO

The 40 Days for Life team in Colorado Springs thanked
Father Bill Carmody for coming to the sidewalk to pray
with them at their vigil site.

To see this picture from Colorado Springs, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1708

The volunteers in Colorado Springs had one quick story
to tell — but no picture, unfortunately.

They were surprised when SIX police cars suddenly
appeared on the scene last week.

Someone had called in a trespassing complaint — but
they had confused a memorial service going on outside
a nearby rehab center with the 40 Days for Life group.

Same purpose — prayer — but different folks and a
different location. Both events were quite legal.

The officers said “never mind,” got back in their
patrol cars, and the vigil continued.

Never a dull moment!

Day 12 - March 20

Intention:

Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.

Scripture:

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

-- Ephesians 3:20-21

Reflection:

God's power working in and through His people is unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him in His strength.

Consider God's hand of providence on this nation because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta: "Yours is the one great nation in all history which was founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as well as the richest and strongest."

Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect."

It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His work through us is done?

Prayer:

God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply, our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and respect to human life, not only in America, but around the world. Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling, and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be glory forever and ever, Amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show

Today’s email from Shawn Carney”

It’s always great to start your Monday with good news,
so here it is:

So far, we are aware of at least ...

... 101 lives saved from abortion during this 40 Days for
Life campaign — that we know of!

Here are just a few of the blessings that God has
provided in answer to your prayers!

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND

A tall man and a visibly pregnant woman walked up to
the abortion center, only to find the door was locked.

“It’s closed,” said a 40 Days for Life vigil participant,
“but I have information on free pregnancy help.”

The woman took information on fetal development, but
the couple walked around to the back of the building to
try another door. It, too, was locked. So they sat on
the steps and looked through the brochure they were given.

Eventually, the building opened, and the couple went in.

Two hours later, they came out — to get more information.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” the volunteer said to
the woman. “Were you thinking about getting an abortion?”

“Yes, I was thinking about it. But now I’m not going to
get one,” she answered.

What changed her mind?

“That booklet,” she said. “I didn’t know the baby
looked like that and was that size.”

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

A woman walked out of the abortion center, saying she
needed a bite to eat. “But it was obvious she was
reconsidering,” said Kathy, one of the 40 Days for Life
prayer volunteers.

It turns out that the woman decided not to go through
with her abortion — and she phoned her boyfriend to
come pick her up.

“This is the second time she has made an appointment to
abort this child and not followed through,” said Kathy.
“She really needs our prayer support in particular for
the financial problems facing the family. But at least
she will not have to deal with the guilt.”

As she left, she expressed her gratitude — and so did
her boyfriend. Said Kathy, “God is good and merciful.”

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

There are many, many situations where your prayers are
still needed.

40 Days for Life volunteers were able to speak to a
woman who had arrived for an RU-486 abortion.

“She sat in her car quite a while, counting money,”
said Betty in Manchester, “but it was obvious she was
reluctant to go in.”

After speaking to her for a while, Betty invited her
to visit a pregnancy resource center for an ultrasound.
This woman is eight weeks pregnant and she has two
children. Her husband is insisting on an abortion that
she does not want.

“She cried all night and begged God to give her a sign,”
Betty said. “When she saw pro-lifers praying, she knew
that was His reply. Please pray that her husband has a
change of heart.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS

Outside the abortion center, 40 Days for Life vigil
participants were able to talk with a couple — but
couldn’t convince them to turn away. As they walked
in, the volunteers resumed their prayers.

A short time later, they came out of the building.
The young woman raised her hands in the air and said,
“I didn’t do it!”

“They were so happy,” said one of the volunteers, “and
they begged us to pray for them.

“Prayers — and the vigil — work,” she said. “Amen!”

Day 13 - March 21

Intention:

We pray for the strength to love those who do not love us.

Scripture:

But the Lord said "You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in the night and perished in the night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left, and much livestock? Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

-- Jonah 4:10-11

Reflection:

God doesn't value people and things like we do. Jonah loved a shade tree more than an entire city of sinful people. We love our dogs more than a terrorist. We love our cars more than a beggar on the side of the road. And sometimes, we love our money more than a child growing in a desperate teenager's womb.

But God isn't like us. Genesis 1 tells us that humans were the capstone of God's creation. We were created on the sixth day after God had completed the land, the stars, the plants and the animals. Therefore, His love for us is greater than His love for a plant, an animal, or any other created thing. And the book of Jonah tells us that He loves even the most sinful people and seeks to bring them into His merciful arms. And it's a love that seeks to touch all of his created children: that desperate teenager, the baby growing in her womb, even tyrants and terrorists. So it's up to us to imitate God's merciful love by helping and praying for those who persecute us, and those who don't love us back.

Prayer:

Gracious God, loving our enemies seems like one of most difficult things you could ask of us. Please remind us that this is how you love and that if you ask it of us then you will give us the grace to do it. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dennis DiMauro
Lutherans for Life representative to the National Pro-life Religious Council

Today’s email from Shawn Carney:

I have an urgent prayer request below but first ...

... we are seeing a huge impact this spring on the on
abortion center employees.

Stories across the board continue to pour in about the
peaceful vigil’s impact on abortion center employees.

In one case, someone who arrived to apply for a job ...
and did not realize that Planned Parenthood does
abortions.

In another case, abortion centers are cutting hours.

Here’s my urgent prayer request ... plus an exciting
look at several locations where prayer is having a
HUGE impact!

PRAYERS NEEDED!

I’d like to ask you to keep one particular 40 Days for
Life campaign in prayer. Because of the nature of this
situation, I’m not going to disclose the location.

The bottom line is that a key employee at an abortion
center wants out. The 40 Days for Life vigil volunteers
are helping, so please pray for this situation.

If this employee leaves, then it’s quite possible that
another key person may also quit. And if THAT happens —
well, the volunteer says the center might not be able
to keep operating with both of them gone.

“God is working miracles through this campaign,” said
the volunteer. Please pray for these employees!

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

One of the vigil participants in San Antonio noticed a
woman who got out of her car in the Planned Parenthood
parking lot.

“She looked to be business oriented,” said the
volunteer. “I called out to her and she smiled and
came to the sidewalk.” The woman said she was there
for a job interview.

“I asked her if she knew they performed abortions here
— and she said that she did not.”

The volunteer told her about the legal situations
Planned Parenthood is in right now. “I also told her
how our local Coalition for Life could help her locate
other clinics where she might apply for work.”

A bit later, the woman returned to her car. “She had
turned down the interview and gave us a wave,” the
40 Days for Life participant said. “We are changing
hearts and minds!”

WACO, TEXAS

As volunteers continue to pray outside a Planned
Parenthood abortion center in Waco, the local team
there has learned that two other regional Planned
Parenthood offices have closed — at least temporarily.

“With all the bad news facing Planned Parenthood locally
and nationally,” said John in Waco, “I suspect this will
be a long temporary closure.”

Planned Parenthood opened these centers in the past few
years with a lot of publicity and fanfare. Abortions are
not done there, but they do refer women to the office in
Waco where the 40 Days for Life vigil is in progress.

“We pray during 40 Days for Life,” said John, “that
Planned Parenthood’s abortion facility in Waco will close.”

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

40 Days for Life volunteers in Lincoln hope today sees
a repeat of what happened last Tuesday.

“Tuesdays are the only day that Planned Parenthood of
Lincoln does surgical abortions,” Sheila said. in a note
she posted on the 40 Days for Life blog.

But last Tuesday, the abortion total was ZERO!

“We do not know why,” she said, but none were scheduled.

“We are blessed that God has chosen to reveal these
fruits,” wrote Sheila.

“Truly our prayers are saving lives.”

Day 14 - March 22

Intention:

Pray for the mothers going into pregnancy help centers. The personal care, the free ultrasound, the ongoing practical help is designed to deliver them from those who profit in shedding innocent blood.

Scripture:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

-- Matthew 11:28

Reflection:

"You have twins. That will be another $350." She did not speak English. But she finally understood that they were telling her to go get more money and return for her abortion.

She had already given them her rent money. But they were not about to give her a two-for-one deal. They told her to get dressed and return with more cash. A couple, who was praying outside, comforted her. They brought her to their local pregnancy help center.

The staff quickly saw that her personal circumstances were so desperate, and immediate, that they would need direct and ongoing help from local Christians and churches. They started making calls.

Then they did the ultrasound. It showed there was only one baby, not two. This abandoned, immigrant, powerless mother was being exploited. She would do whatever she was told. Who would know? Who would care?

God calls us to "Rescue the weak and the needy; and deliver them from the hand of the wicked" (Psalm 82:4).

When you provide an alternative to abortion you are not only rescuing innocent babies, you are delivering mothers from the wicked: those who profit in the shedding of innocent blood. Pray for those who rescue and deliver daily at your local pregnancy help center.

Prayer:

Father, hear our prayer! Snatch desperate mothers from the fire. Bring them out of our abortion businesses and into our pregnancy help centers. Deliver them from evil. Use us to help them chose life and see your hand of provision.

Rev. John Ensor
Vice President, Heartbeat International

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The largest ever 40 Days for Life international campaign is on the way! The campaign will run from March 9 to April 17 in 247 cites -- locations from coast to coast in the United States as well as sites in Canada, England, Ireland, Australia, Spain, Georgia, Armenia and Belize.

There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007. These efforts have mobilized people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus six Canadian provinces, three Australian states, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark.

There have now been seven coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns since 2007.

These efforts have mobilized people of faith and conscience in 337 cities across all 50 of the United States plus six Canadian provinces, three Australian states, and communities in Northern Ireland and Denmark.